Real Madrid Vs Benfica — Tchouaméni hails 'victory for everyone who stands against racism' after real madrid vs benfica tie

Real Madrid reached the Champions League last 16 after a 2-1 win over Benfica at the Santiago Bernabéu, sealing a 3-1 aggregate victory in a tie overshadowed by racial abuse allegations. The real madrid vs benfica result carried significance beyond the pitch after UEFA temporarily suspended Gianluca Prestianni and fans displayed anti-racism banners before kick-off.

Tchouaméni: 'a victory for everyone who stands against racism' and his match impact

Aurelien Tchouaméni described the win as "a victory for everyone who stands against racism, " saying there were "more important things than this match, than football. " He added that "Vinicius keeps his confidence and he keeps focused on what he needs to do, " and that it was right Prestianni was not allowed to play. Tchouaméni, who was born in France but is of Cameroonian descent, scored Madrid's first-half equaliser — his first goal of the season — and won the player of the match award for a second straight Champions League game. He said: "I'm doing things well... I'm very happy with the goal, it's something I have to improve on. I have a lot of confidence. I try to do my best in every game and we have to keep it up. "

Vinicius Jr's decisive strike, celebrations and reactions from teammates

Vinicius Jr scored the decisive goal late in the second leg — repeating the decisive scoring role he had in the first leg — and celebrated both goals by dancing near the corner flag. He netted Real's second on the night with an 80th-minute strike that gave the hosts breathing space and sealed the tie. After the match he posted on social media that "the dance goes on. " Trent Alexander-Arnold said Vinicius had been "very chilled" and "very relaxed" before the fixture, adding that "He doesn't need to prove anything to anyone because he's shown time and time again how good he is. " Former Chelsea forward Joe Cole praised him as "brilliant over both legs" and said "his finish was superb. " Real boss Álvaro Arbeloa said he reacted "with joy obviously, for the great goal he scored, and because it was him, he deserves it. "

Prestianni suspended, travelled with squad and Benfica's appeal dismissed

Gianluca Prestianni, the Argentinian winger accused of racially abusing Vinicius Jr in the first leg, denied the allegations but was provisionally suspended by UEFA for one match and did not play in the return leg. He travelled with the Benfica squad to Madrid. Benfica lodged an appeal against the provisional suspension, but UEFA rejected the last-minute appeal and dismissed the club's case on Wednesday afternoon. "Mr Gianluca Prestianni remains provisionally suspended for the next UEFA club competition match for which he would otherwise be eligible, " a UEFA statement read. Benfica president Rui Costa said the club would not "permit a racist player within the squad. "

Match events at the Santiago Bernabéu: Rafa Silva, Tchouaméni strike and the scoreboard

Benfica made the perfect start in Madrid, levelling the tie after 14 minutes through Rafa Silva. Tchouaméni restored Madrid's advantage with a powerful strike from distance in the first half. Real came from 1-0 down on the night to win 2-1 and advance 3-1 on aggregate. As the players took to the field, fans held up banners with messages of support for Vinicius, with displays reading "No to racism" and "Respect, " and a banner in Spanish saying "no to racism" was visible before kick-off.

Progression to last 16 and the next opponent

The aggregate 3-1 victory books Real Madrid's place in the Champions League last 16. Real will play either Sporting Lisbon or Manchester City in the next round, with the tie's outcome determining their opponent.